Why?
Unbearably HoT was created as an endeavor to fill what I perceived as a gap between casual and end-game druid blogs; most specifically, I haven’t stumbled upon many fellow furries who’ve made it past SSC or TK. While we can all lament healing coefficient nerfs, ponder the benefits of stacking SPI versus mp5 or grind teeth eking out that 415 defense, the fact remains that it’s a little difficult discussing Archimonde or Illidan. With an eye glaring keenly toward Sunwell and beyond, this blog hopes to generate discourse on the role of druids in twenty-five man raids and the “hardcore” raiding environment in general.
With that in mind, I think it’s pertinent to mention that the end-game raiding environment isn’t always a friendly place. It usually isn’t worksafe, emphasis tends to remain on performance rather than friendship (though we do try and have a good time), and conversation doesn’t often default to polite. As my MT put it, our raids are “Retarded, with enough solid players in key classes to eke out wins most of the time”. Unless the guild raids over five days a week and ruthlessly streamlines their players (and thus must back up their efficiency with quick progression), you’ll always see some of the slackers, the folks you carry along because of ancient raiding ties, familial relation, or because you’re desperate for that particular class and spec. While I consider myself relatively mercenary, I found myself looking for competitive progression without totally losing my soul—which is how I ended up in <Singularity>.
I’m currently taking a break from raiding, along with a few friends of mine. The decision was based largely on my sleeping schedule, stress level, and brand new high-demand job. We keep up residence with Dread Lobster and farm our friends Amani War Bears in our spare time. Oh, and plan for competitive ten man raiding in the expansion.
This blog won’t attempt to diffuse the language or the relationships in the raiding environment, and I readily admit that my vocabulary is often strange and ridiculous. I make up words when it suits me. I am incredibly critical of my peers. I don’t easily forget when I’m wronged or my integrity is questioned. If you’re not interested in what may be a heavily biased, dorky (and yet strangely intelligent) T6 raiding PoV, then Unbearably HoT probably isn’t for you. Don’t worry—I’m not offended.
It rather goes without saying, but World of Warcraft and all related indicia is copyrighted by Blizzard.
